Cytauxzoon paradoxurus n. sp., a novel Cytauxzoon species identified in common palm civets in Singapore
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.A novel Cytauxzoon species was found in 29% of common palm civets in Singapore. This discovery highlights the need for expanded biosurveillance to understand piroplasm diversity and potential cross-species transmission risks.
Area Of Science
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Wildlife Disease Ecology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background
- Common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus) inhabit urban Southeast Asia, increasing potential for pathogen transmission.
- While viral and bacterial infections in civets are documented, protozoan infections remain understudied.
- This study focuses on piroplasms, tick-borne protozoan parasites, in common palm civets.
Purpose Of The Study
- To screen common palm civets in Singapore for the presence of piroplasm parasites.
- To identify novel protozoan species harboured by this wildlife population.
- To investigate potential associations between infection and host characteristics.
Main Methods
- Opportunistic blood sample collection from 135 wild common palm civets over two years.
- DNA barcoding for ectoparasite identification and PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene for piroplasm detection.
- Phylogenetic analysis of detected piroplasm DNA sequences.
Main Results
- A novel Cytauxzoon species was detected in 21.5% (29/135) of civets, with a significant association between infection and civet weight.
- No Cytauxzoon DNA was found in the two sampled cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis).
- Phylogenetic analysis indicated the novel Cytauxzoon is related to a species found in South African meerkats but distinct from known species.
Conclusions
- This is the first molecular confirmation of Cytauxzoon sp. in Southeast Asia and the first report in a viverrid host.
- The transmission vector remains unidentified, as no ticks were found on sampled civets.
- The discovery of Cytauxzoon paradoxurus n. sp. underscores the need for broader biosurveillance of piroplasms in wildlife.
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